Grant Shapps says Brexit lets UK control immigration, as figures expected to rise

Minister points to arrivals from Ukraine and Hong Kong as government sources confirm record increase is expected

Grant Shapps has stressed the importance of post-Brexit controls on work visas after government sources confirmed that ministers are braced for a record increase in immigration figures this month.

Reports have suggested that official data will show net immigration of between 650,000 and 997,000 fuelled by a rise in non-EU immigration from people entering the UK to work and study. Sources have told the Guardian that “the high end” of these figures is unlikely, but that there has been a significant rise.